I have a strange noise that occurs after the car is in motion, within the first 10-15 feet. It does'nt occur every time, but quite often. It sounds EXACTLY like a bad u-joint that has lost the bearings in the cap, and goes CaLunk when you put the car in gear and the driveshaft engages, but of course it can't be that since the car is already in motion.

its a '95 940 wagon, 93K on it
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'88 740T 161K, '90 740T 231K, '95 940T, 71K plus a few Corvairs

Could it possibly be the infamous driveshaft shudder problem? Here's a Volvo TSB:

Driveline Take-Off Vibration: Shimming May Be Required. From Volvo Technical Service Bulletin 45/102 Jan '91. [Symptom:] Take-off vibrations at low speed, especially with high acceleration and/or heavy load, can occur in some cases. [Solution:] The level of vibration can be reduced by changing the vertical position of the center support bearing. Best results differ from car to car. Start with a change of 6mm (1/4") upwards. If results are not acceptable, try positions from 5mm (3/16") downwards to 12mm (1/2") upwards from the original position. Note that clearance between drive shaft and fuel lines must be at least 20mm, and between drive shaft and the fuel tank at least 16mm. Shimming upwards should not exceed 12mm (1/2") and after re-positioning the center support bearing housing should not contact the floor pan.

If your car is an automatic it could be the famous 1-2 klunk which occurs on AW70's ...

I have it on my '86 245

there is information on the list regarding a small ball in the valve body of the transmission that needs replaced.

this may not be the problem since 10 feet seems a little short for the shift to 2nd to take place.

jack

'86 245, 242,800 mi.